Flood risk is increasing across the UK as climate change drives more frequent and intense rainfall, rising sea levels and growing pressure on ageing infrastructure. At the same time, competing demands for housing, economic growth and environmental protection are challenging traditional approaches to flood and water management.
This event aims to bring together civil engineers, flood risk practitioners, local authorities, Internal Drainage Boards, environmental organisations and policymakers to explore how the profession can respond to these evolving challenges. Through presentation and discussion, attendees will explore the changing national flood risk landscape, the implications of recent Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) funding reforms, and the growing role of natural flood management and nature-based solutions within resilient infrastructure systems.
Discussion topics will include the balance between engineered and nature-based interventions, the interaction between flood risk and spatial planning, the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks, and whether existing governance and funding mechanisms are equipped to deliver long-term climate resilience. The session will encourage systems thinking and challenge participants to consider how flood risk management can deliver wider environmental, social and economic benefits.
Discussions will be led by Andy McLachlan (Chief Executive, Yorkshire and Humber Drainage Boards) and James Trafford (Senior Engineer - Flood & Coastal Risk Management, Waterman Aspen for East Riding of Yorkshire Council), who will be joined by Dr Steven Forrest (Programme Director, MSc Flood Risk Management, University of Hull).
Aligned with the ICE Enabling Better Infrastructure principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, 12 and 13, the event will focus on:
- Resilience
- Sustainability
- Whole-life value
- Systems thinkingPeople-centred outcomes
Attendees will gain CPD-relevant insight into emerging policy, investment and engineering approaches, and explore the role that civil engineers can play in delivering climate-adaptive, resilient communities and infrastructure.
